Merovia

The Final Hour

Traveling to Ecole De Supremetie, in the capital of the Kingdom of Oraculum, the party finds themselves in the basement of a vast castle. The party tries to decide what action to take next, when a top student leaves his classroom early in order to arrive at his next course on time.

Morthos Ænkia tackles the young student and interrogates him. Before any important information is revealed, the bell hums and the students are released from class. The students stumble upon the party and this student who has now been disrobed and is suffering from psychotropic influences. The students are unsure as what to do. As Morthos goes to grab this poor student, an arc of lighting fires from across the hall and strikes at Morthos, Malak De Valore. Lefty barely avoids being struck by this chain of lightning. The party noticed the spells origin, a teacher of the arcane arts here at this school of magic. Professor Enzo.

Before it becomes an all out battle, Lefty calms the situation and convinces Enzo to hear them out. Professor Enzo, after hearing their story, leads them to the current teacher of planar magics who specializes in the elemental planes. Professor Razarus.

Professor Razarus is uncovered to be Half Tygerus, and Half Rhakshasa. After speaking with another professor, the party sits down with Professor Razarus and explains why they have come all this way. The party says that they have come to stop a doomsday machine. A machine that would plunge the world into eternal darkness and could cause the Material and Shadowfell to collide and become stitches together and destroy both.

Razarus agrees to help the party meet with Professor De Sand who is working on a mysterious device. Professor De Sand is known for his understand of planar magics and his study of the shadowfell. The party spends many hours trying to convince Professor De Sand that his device will not yield the results he expects. The machine was designed to created a free umbrella of power to encompass all of the Kingdom of Oraculum. He theorized that, because the Shadowfell is parallel with the Material plane, he would be able to syphon this untapped source of endless power and project it as a field across the kingdom. If it worked, it would supply the area and maybe one day the world with energy never before understood.

Eventually Professor De Sand makes a deal with the characters. He will preform is experiment on a smaller scale. If it works, he will go along with his work and the players will be dealt with. If it fails, this glass globe will be destroyed, and no harm done.

As this project can not be done on a smaller scale, the fact that the Shadowfell is actually perpendicular to the Material plane, that his math was rushed, and that he was sure of himself; he was sundered by the shattered of the glass orb. Just like the orb, he also was cut in twain. Having been killed, this means Professor Razarus will now be the Archmage of Ecole de Supremetie.

Razarus sent the machine to the Sea of Fire in the Plane of Fire, and the collected most of the paper to dispose of any evidence. This way it could never be attempted again.

The party will stay with the school until the investigation is over, and afterwards return to their respected homes. To close the cover on this final chapter of their adventurers.

New Adventurers, Old Characters

Journeying into the echo of the village, delving deep into the heart of this abandoned temple to a mysterious, and unheard of, god of death; and passing through riddles and puzzles, the party arrived to a very humble wooden door.

Entering this place, the players meet Lectan Nightroad. Lectan describes his position in Amani, what he is doing here in Merovia, his abilities of traveling to different planes and opens the players up to the information that Merovia is merely one “book” in a library. Just as some can travel to different planes “chapters”, Lectan can travel to different realms “books”.

Lectan says that he is not able to lend a hand directly to the players because he is not actually of this realm, but he can at least set them in the right dirrection. He offers to teleport them to the Ecole de Supremetie in Almeox in order to avoid a year long travel over the world. The party accepts and prepares for their trip.

It was explained that they were holding council to discuss the issue that the Kingdom of Oraculus were now presenting. The Mystic Dwarves and their kingdom intend on plunging the world into the Plane of Shadow. The ruling powers of the Plane of Shadow cannot allow this. As a parallel plane, the colliding of these two would spell the end of the Plane of Shadow’s independence, and the annihilation of the Material Plane and it’s inhabitants. They cannot coincide, so this doomsday plan cannot come to pass.

The Lords of Madness explain that they came to discuss a partnership to resolve this issue, however the Neo-Prophetus does not have a team strong enough to combat this threat. It was fortunate that party appeared and will be their harbingers.

The party has accepted the mission of crossing the Black Sands of the Shadowfell due North East in order to find the Bone Hills. Beneath that complex awaits a being of immense power who should have more information, and may be able to aid the party in discovering the Kingdom of Oraculus’s capabilities.

The party left the guild catacombs and made their way over the harsh and desolate landscape under the cover of eternal night and found the Bone Hills with minor difficulty. A three day trek.

The Bone Hills is truthfully one hill of a small cluster and has a village that rests upon the top. A village that doesn’t reflect a familiar time or place. It’s remnants are those undocumented and forgotten to the pages of time and space. However, one thing that doesn’t rest well here, is the dead. The party was forced to combat 50 skeletal guard and dragon of shadow. The party lost their ally Marvin Gates and nearly lost their member Lefty. The mighty breath of the dragon felled these two in a single blast, and only by a bottle of blood was Lefty saved.

Lefty, having drunk the Blood Wine of Meldova is now of the undead and is a vampire. He was able to cheat this death, only to now walk among the fallen. However, this is not the time to solve his curse. They must enter the temple, and traverse it’s depths. They must find…

Lords of Madness

The party made their way by ship to the port of Black Anchor. The days at sea were rather uneventful. They arrive to find that the keep on the hill, that overlooked the city, has disappeared. To their surprise, the townsfolk report that it was gone in two nights. Not a sound, just seemingly disassembled.

Olaphine spent her time looking over Black Anchor in ways that only masterful rogues know how. Through her eyes she was able to determine notes left behind by others.

Malak De Valore spent most of his time in the company of Kane Forgekin. Malak spent a fair amount of coin at his establishment “Leviathon Teeth Arms” and is prepared for his next great engagement on the fields of battle.

The party eventually reconvened at the tavern and met a pair of archeologists. Well, sort of. One of these men is a Professor of Anthrology and is in Black Anchor to study the efforts of the Moon Rats. The other is an infamous author and self-proclaimed man of field research, “NAME”. They want to hire the adventurers to help them explore the temple that the Moon Rats once inhabited, and if they are still within their hive like village beneath Black Anchor.

The party agrees to this and makes there way South. While exploring the temple and subsequent caves, they found this hive city, but not a single Moon Rat remained. It was like they had been taken without a fight. That is when things became odd, and there were signs that indicated something terrible wrong was casting itself over Black Anchor.

The party backtracked out of the caverns and were attacked by two bat like devils. The party then comes to realize that the city of Black Anchor now rests within the Plane of Shadow. If they want answers they would have to make their way to The Tower, the base of the Neo-Prophetus guild, and its new leader, The Dread Emperor.

Entering the tower they find the place unguarded. Deep underneath the tower lay catacombs, and where the entire guild has met. Being led by their old ally Marvin Gates, they find the guild arranged in a large hall encompassing a large dark wood table. At the head of the table sat Octavian Vesmarias, and around his sat Lords of Madness, Lord Salleek, Lord Morkeis, and Lord Zendion.

Whatever was transpiring here, the party knew they had just entered a situation that was far out of their depth.

Battle of the Baddest

We resume this session from where we left off last time.

It was apparent that there was a large explosion towards town, and suddenly the bridge connecting the keep to the town was also destroyed. These explosions had surprised the Lord Sable Coalbite, whom now, determined to find answers , was now on his way towards the gates of the keep with Olaphine in tow.

In the North Eastern tower, the majority of the guards had been dosed with the tainted fortified wine. This left most of them delusional and confused. The party left Lefty there as they went to the main courtyard to begin the real assault.

As Lefty continued to drink he was surprised to see Caliban enter the door way and begin to heal all of the guards. After the revitalizing smoke was released, Lefty sprang across the room. Lefty rolled and appeared behind Caliban and let loose a blast from his fiery elixir. This caused the fortified spirit to ignite and created a huge explosion that killed the guards within and flung the two combatants out of the room and into the hallway, where their battle began.

In the courtyard, Iliphar Chromolux, Morthos Ænkia, and Nyoko began fighting the guards. Iliphar had released a large fire elemental that aided them in their efforts. Shrouded in darkness, the illusive ranger who had brought Morthos down a few sessions ago, fired once again. He pierced Morthos and caused him to drop his gun. Morthos crossed the courtyard with the help of his hound and executed the hunter, once and for all. Another name to strike off Morthos’s list.

The rest of the party made their way up to support Lefty in his fight with Caliban. Unknown to everyone else, Caliban had drank an elixir which transformed him into a might Djinn. This made it impossible for the lord to recognize his ally and he too attacked with righteous fury.

Before the party and the lord could deliver the final blow, the Djinn phased away into another plane of existence and was gone. The king, now without support, was flanked by our party on all sides and was swiftly dispatched.

Morthos, after his success went to the edge of the bridge, raised the head of the king to the crowd of onlookers, and called that his evil reign had finally ended.

Dinner and Show

The sun that rose on that day made it’s self known in the early hours with a red and pink hue. The tropical breeze was calm. The gulls took flight over the shallow shores and dove into the sea for their morning’s feast. Like many days this far south, the beautiful sky that faded from night to day granted a look at pallid blue that complemented the color of the great oceans. In 50 years, the power of the Crimson Scourge had never been this close to it’s zenith. As night to day, this regime will also pass.

They had each awoke in their chambers at Tomias’s Inn. As per the letter that Teza Moonweave sent, a chariot would arrive at Sunset to this Inn. Olaphine had come all this way to explore the south and dearly wished to make an acquaintance with this powerful lord of the south. Or so she said. Her and her allies knew the truth, this was their way in to infiltrate the castle and complete the task set before them.

Each of them in leisure made their way downstairs to a very humbling banquet that had been laid out before you. It seems the owner had learned of Olaphine’s noble alias, and wished to leave a lasting impression. One honest and humbled entrepreneur in a land of thieves.

The owner, Tomias is a Spartes, but noticeably leaner and masterfully bearded. His auburn beard is braided and falls parallel to his apron’s descending neck strap. He prepared roasted tomatoes, poached eggs, a pork belly fillet, a tray of sweet rolls, and a fruit salad of pineapple, orange, apple, and peach. Fresh water and tea have also been set around the table at convenient intervals. He didn’t charge them, and without ever meeting their gazes, humbly thanked her for choosing his inn.

Daily Preparations for the night at the castle.

The sun began to descend and blues turn to purples and oranges. The sun, a brilliant miasma of yellow passed to allow the rise of the moon and it’s cloak of shadow. On queue the sound of a chariot could be heard clopping up to the inn. Out of the window you could see two chariots. The lacquered finish of the chariot’s forced the sun’s rays to glare off and cascade the surroundings in it’s gleam. The chariots are driven by two similar men in stature and temperament whom each commanded 4 black horses each. They pull the chariots around and line up single file at the front of the inn. When in place, they wait.

These chariots led the party to the keep and a squad of guards led them to their quarters.

Within the quarters they uncovered sending stones that were sending their conversations to some unknown voyeur.

The party attended the dinner as per request and sat in the presence of Sable Coalbite who sat beside Caliban.. They ate a very bountiful feast that was set before them and drank from the Lord’s reserves. When the dinner was conclude Olaphine was invited by the lord to go on a tour of the castle’s ramparts. Olaphine took this as an opportunity and went along.

The rest of the party got up to their own hi-jinx. The party was acquainted with a few of the guards and learned of a poker night being held in the North Eastern tower. The party went up there with casks of wine that they had tainted with psychotropic mushrooms gifted to Iliphar Chromolux by druids in Sapphire Port.

Olaphine and Sable Coalbite were on the eastern tower at the end of this session overlooking the city when there was a large explosion in town. An explosion, unbeknownst to the lord, was put into play via the party’s collaboration with the Gold Masks. Olaphine convinced the lord that she was just as surprised and that she wanted him to protect her. Falling for this lie, the lord was determined to find out the cause of all the ruckus.

Crowd Pleaser

The party awoke and planned to infiltrate the Temple of Ensatus. From Morthos Ænkia’s infiltration of Hook Hand Prison, they learned that a sanctified tea is transported from the Temple to the Prison. This tea is delivered to the warden daily, once at dawn, and once at dusk. The party decided to do some shopping and near dusk they would lay in wait.

Iliphar Chromolux and Olaphine planted themselves East of the church and waited to see the procession that would leave from the church in the center of town and head to the North Eastern section of the city. They saw the procession leave the church and make their way north. While these two laid in wait, the rest of the party got their hands dirty.

Morthos Ænkia and Lefty entered the Temple. Morthos stayed near the front doors and kept his eyes on the guards that sat in prayer. Lefty approached the altar at the front and spoke to the High Priest. Lefty, in a round about way, said that we would be interested in joining the church. The High Priest tasked his with the execution of a peasant who sat in prayer. To the High Priest, this would reflect his dedication to the path of blood and war. Lefty stumbled into the priest and proceeded to vomit on him. He attacked a guard, and then all hell broke loose. Morthos executed one of the guards who attempted to intervene and these two party members made a run for it. A large group of guards were in pursuit.

When the procession returned to the church, Iliphar and Olaphine followed them back. These two approached the alter and also said that they were looking to join the church. Olaphine refused to kill the peasant, while Iliphar “with the information received” executed this elderly peasant without mercy. This allowed Iliphar to be led by one of the priests to the undercroft where he would drink said tea and have access to the reserves. While the priest was distracted, Iliphar tainted the supply that would be delivered to the Warden on the morrow.

Elsewhere in the city, the guards continued to chase Morthos and Lefty. They passed into the Colosseum and the guards chased them inside. As the guards attempted to follow them up the cramped stairs, Lefty kicked the lead pursuer down the stairs and this caused all of these full-plate guards to tumble down in succession like dominoes. The crowd, finding this hilarious, allowed these two miscreants to hide among them. Morthos and Lefty laid prone as the crowd disbanded the guards whom found no comedy in the matter. Having failed to obtain the culprits, they left when the crowd refused to reveal them, nor part from the stands.

Fortified Position

The party awoke after a restful night sleep and convening with the Gold Masks in the basement of the Siren Song Tavern.

The party went to the South Western section of the city across the street from the Temple of Ensatus. They were told that they needed to acquire supplies to detonate the bridge that spans from the city to the keep.

Realizing that there was no way the party would be able to enter through the front due to the guards presence across the street they altered there path and went around back. Malak De Valore and Morthos Ænkia stood guard out front while the rest of the party attempted to pass into the backyard.

There was a spell trap that the party couldn’t seem to resist. As they passed over the property lines they were hit by magical sleep that seemed to put most of them out. Iliphar Chromolux was able to resist and assisted his allies by waking them when they passed out. After overcoming that obstacle, without investigating the door thoroughly, Olaphine set off an electrical spell trap that was inscribed on the door handle and was thrown across the yard.

After getting this all sorted, the party finally entered the building. They came across many different alchemical equipment and apparatuses that Caliban would use in his practices. The party found the supplies they needed and delved into the basement of the complex.

A barrier of light trapped the majority of the party and a large demon surprised them, who attempted to devour each of them. The party fought nobly and were saved at the final hour by the paladin and gunslinger. They were able to discern how to break the barrier and effectively assisted their allies.

"The Bald Barbarian" and New Allies

The party began there evening in line for the first showing of a new play. The thespians of Bloodstain Keep are putting on a comedy entitled, “The Bald Barbarian”.

On there way into the showing, Oliphine is reverse pickpocketed. She uncovers that a ring had been placed in her pocket against her will. Iliphar and Oliphine survey the attendees and notice that a handful of others are wearing the same ring. They also are equally spread out in the crowd. Each one is dressed in very unremarkable clothes. They also seem to be in a relaxed position and noticeably stoic in their nature. In there efforts to be nonchalant, the party has recognized them.

Act 1: The show begins with a beautiful dance number that introduces a small town that resides outside the Dwarven Mountains. They talk about how they have never seen a dwarf, but that they must be small, and bearded, and brilliant, and bold. The villagers meet a large man with no hair anywhere on his body, not very sharp, but definitely bold. The village is then attacked by a wizard who threatens them. If they don’t pay homage to him they will be transformed into sheep and used for fancy clothing.

Act 2: The Barbarian who knows nothing of the common folk tries to emulate their lives, but has to end up doing it in his own style. Coming to terms with his urban side. He has no concern for the wizard, but begins to care for the village and it’s inhabitants. An intermission takes place as the Barbarian lays down for rest after another long day of building, scrubbing, and generally helping with his titanic strength.

During intermission there was an individual who appeared next to Oliphine. She hadn’t noticed her approach and this seemed a bit disconcerting, but a graceful hand slid from beneath the cloak and it bared a letter. She would later learn this lady’s name is Megumin, a phoenix elf. The parchment of the envelope is adorned in gold leaf and sealed with a wax seal pressed by the silhouette of a mask. Oliphine accepted the letter, the letter detailed a meetup for the Pale Masks within the Siren Song Tavern after the show.

While Intermission is taking place, Iliphar and Nyoko went to the concessions and confronted one of the ring wearers; A portly Spartes named Almin Bushybrow. He spoke with them and disappeared swiftly after. He was able to obtain a lot of information about Iliphar without disclosing much.

Act 3: The barbarian uses the tricks he has learned to over throw the wizard and his henchmen. The play ends in a brilliant dance number that expresses that even though he is an oddity, he persevered and that’s what counts. The barbarian finishes the play and slays the audience with the final line, “Dorgo stay and be wet nurse, milk good for everyone!”

While the party was at the showing, Morthos investigated Hook Hand Prison with the assistance of a young and prideful Obsidian Guard named Korman. Korman bonded with Morthos and seems to aspire to be elsewhere.

The party went to the Siren Song Tavern after the show for the huge after party. Oliphine, Nyoko, and Iliphar were able to sneak downstairs and met with the members of the Gold Masks. The Gold Masks are an aspiring smaller faction of the Pale Masks and want to have a larger representation in the major guild. They agreed to give the party information about the castle, if they say that the Gold Masks assisted them in their mission. Information, for information and respect.

The party spent the rest of the night planning their attack on the Crimson Scourge.

Sidenote: Elsewhere in town, Morthos Ænkia uncovers that he is being tracked by an old member of his unit. Morthos is set on finding this guy first, and settling the score.

An Old Vet and a Strange Cat

The party had been teleported just south of Bloodstain Keep and they made their way north through the tropical jungle. They dispatched a few guards that were patrolling and Malak De Valore collected a set of armor from one of them.

They continued their approach from the south and arrived at a broken down cottage. They spent a while discussing their next course of action. They could approach from the south and try to scale the rock face, scale the castle, and attempt to infiltrate that way. They also thought about trying to con their way in through the front door. With no solid plan, they realized they had been followed. It turns out that Nyoko had missed the meeting times by moments, but was able to catch up with the help of Thomas Danton. The party met this new ally and journied NW together. They discovered a Lighthouse nearby and they thought this would be a good place to get information, or stage a distraction.

The party met the man who lived there. A venerable old spartes whom was also a veteran of the Fields of Trayas. He seemed a bit prejudice, but the party made do. After some player antics and the sabotage of the light by Iliphar Chromolux, the party left the old man in peace. Unbenounced to the party, Iliphar had taken the man’s walking stick and the man fell down the stairs to his untimely death.

The veteran had moved to Bloodstain Keep to live with a human woman whom he had fallen in love with. She died many years ago, but left him the lighthouse. He had taken care of it every since. Recently he had made friends with a cat and this cat was more than the party could have guessed.

After the death of the owner the party made their way back to the cottage and tried to make a new plan. The cat eventually found their camp and is now in the car of Jonathon Brisbane. Captain Brisbane convinced the crew that it would probably be best if the party explored the town north of the castle. It would give them more information that would help them form a plan.

The party entered the town, explored many facets of it, and have decided to go to a play. What sort of information will they uncover in the section of the city dedicated to the theater?

Start again in Sapphire Port

Approaching the sealed gates to the Onyx Pits, Iliphar, Tazar, and Morthos see that there are a couple armed guards out front and they seem to be restricting access. Approaching the guards: they inform them that they have been sealed against the dissident houses, and the goblin threat. If they want access, they will be required to acquire a pass signed by either the king or the head of the guard.

Returning to Blackhelm to speak with the head of the guard, Iliphar receives a letter by raven. The letter explains that it is incredibly important to return to Sapphire Port with extreme haste. Iliphar and company have been summoned by Chancellor Mira Strongtide on the subject of diplomatic negotiations. Morthos has also been summoned by the Academy of Magicka.

Tazar knew that Iliphar and Morthos would leave Blackhelm and probably would not return for a very long time, if ever. Tazar told the other two that he would be staying; he has come this far and it’s his duty as a Stoneblood to take back his lands and redeem his families name. Not for the city, but for himself. Tazar left the group and ventured forth into the Onyx Pits on his own as Iliphar and Morthos were bound for Sapphire Port.

Time Skip:

PREAMBLE:

Morthos and Iliphar, by the sailing of Captain Brisbane on the Invictus, you arrive in Sapphire port. The waters are choppier than the last time you were here. The sky is overcast, and the smell of rain is heavy. The cobble streets and wood docks seem to beg for the rain as the wind steadily pick up. The bazaar on the docks seem to be extending their awnings and they don coats of furs and leathers. The common folk seem to retreat into their homes and the dock help continue to work steadily to get through with their chores by days end. They suspect it may be near noon, but the sky makes it difficult to gauge.

Nyoko, Oliphine and Malak, depart from the carriages riding from Aestra. Each are familiar with this town. It’s the largest port in the Republic of Aestra and is ruled by Chancellor Mira Strongtide. The carriage rides were paid for by their patrons respectively and the driver waves you off as you each descend on your own into the city. To find a Lupin gunslinger and Sun Elf Druid respectively.

As the vessel docks and the crew makes to unload, Morthos leaps from the ship deck onto the docks and makes a bee line for the Pearl Smile. A dry place he can trust. In tow walks an unamused and stoic elf. They both arrive rather quickly to the Pearl Smile. You notice that tonight Thomas Danton is not lending the bar his normal charades and the bar is calm and quiet.

Nyoko, recalled a story of a rather fine inn that is hospitable too all races and is near the center of town. He makes his way toward the town center and sees a large fountain. It depicts the goddess Peliphene as she seems to be fighting off a large many headed serpent. In her hands she holds a mighty scepter and the waves trickle water down into a basin.

Olaphine, knows that a well known informant for the Pale Masks is a frequenter of an inn in Sapphire port called the Pearl Smile. His name is Thomas Danton and he is famous in the Thieves guild for being a smooth operator. She knows that if you are in search of getting a hold of Violet, he is the man who can get her there.

Malak De Valore. Spotting a few of the other travelers from the carriage, he followed their lead. He arrived after a short walk to an inn. It is a humble wooden building on the outside, the logs are stacked laterally around giving a homely yet modern look. The roof is angled equally on both sides and with a splash of cream on the shudders.

Each of them knew that they have meetings through various sectors in town. Morthos is to meet with a mage at the magic academy. Iliphar is to meet with Mira Strongtide once he is prepared. Nyoko is in search of a Lupin and a Sun Elf who are to lead him to a light that will protect the world. Olaphine is to meet with Violet. Malak De Valore …..

The first crack of thunder rumbles in the distance as Malak closes the door to the inn behind him. The sound of heavy rain begins to play it’s song on the city.

Suddenly the door swings open and a drenched Thomas Danton enters the Pearl Smile, with a large grin on his face and breathing heavily. “You guys beat me here, more of you then I was expecting though.”

Thomas Danton discusses the following:

Mira Strongtide has an important errand for this band.

“We were able to fend off the Mystic Dwarf’s attack on the far reach of the Lunastia Confederacy, however we have not put a stop to their plans. Mira will send you on an urgent mission to the Blood Isles. You are to muster yourselves and head once again south. It has come to our attention that sinister forces are being mustered at Bloodstain Keep. It is evident that the Crimson Scourge intends to amass a naval force of his Obsidian Brethren and attack the Bloodchief to the south. The current ruler of the Lands of Kataiga. As allies, we have been contacted by a concerned third party. This time you will not be traveling by ship, it’s too dangerous. We have something of greater speed in mind.”

The party then ran about town finishing a few things. Malak bought an elven longsword, Iliphar remet with the druids and acquired a few things, Oliphine tried to uncover more about the Blood Isles, and Morthos went to the magic school. Morthos found out that the dog he bought in the Lunastia Confederacy is actually a disguised hound with 4 eyes and skeletal like features. A force of death has been trailling alongside him for a long time. What could it mean? Avander Strongtide thinks this is what calls magic to his guns, and why he can’t comprehend the spellbook he gifted him.

“Merovia calls for your aid this day. Forces are mustering on the shores of Bloodstain keep and we must do what is necessary to prevent a full scale invasion. It seems the Crimson Scourge has called Mercenaries from around the world to band together and siege Port Trasif. Your mission is to go south and prevent the staging from beginning. Speak to the Magic Academy here and they will aid you in getting to the isles in a swift manner. You are being sent to eliminate the Crimson Scourge and remove the Obsidian Brethren from power.”

The mission is as follows:

“You will be teleported just south of the city and will need to infiltrate the keep under the cover of nightfall. It will be heavily guarded, but once you are inside, be sure to destroy the bridge. No one must escape the keep. Prevent all outgoing messages. We have a militia in place that will eliminate the mercenaries that intend on heading south to join the fight. If you do your job, the Spartes can do theirs.”

A Country for Old Men

They put the soul of Koth Skulltaker to rest and went on their way after uncovering the blades.

The party then searched the southern tip of this floor and found a blood cultist who was attempting to dedicate this temple to Alegra, however the party kicked their butt, but the mysterious mage disappeared via teleportation, before becoming too bloodied. Who the person was? It’s unclear.

The party then went back to town to try to dig deeper into the conspiracy. They consulted the expert at the museum, but the archivist said that their is no record of any crag dwarven clan with ties to Ensatus.

Frustrated the party went on to speak with the old Lead Commander of the Granite-Guard Unified Army. This old man spoke to them about the issue at great length and told them that there was not much to be done. It was also uncovered that the Stoneblood clan knew of the sinister ties to the war god, and thusly refused uniting with them. This created a lack of trust between the unified dwarves and a few splintered clans. They refused to grant aid when the goblins attacked Stoneblood soil.

The party convinced him that he should have his tale written and released, allow Dwarvenkind to decide their own faith. He said that there is only one he would trust to write such a tale, and have it released upon his death. A Human writer who’s name he has forgotten, but resides in the Astral Plane. The rumored last Human.

The party has decided that they will deal with the Stoneblood clan’s lands first, and then make their way in search of a guide to the Astral Plane.

Shadow of An Empire

Beneath the temple of Ferdin lays a temple to Ensatus. The party uncovered a temple of different architecture including a river of blood. The party uncovered a few passages that revealed statues of the 4 major families of Crythia: Forgekin, Lazeren, Goldbrow, and Gemseeker. Each statue wore one similar item. An Amulet to Ensatus.

The party deduced that the major dwarven clans that would one day unite the majority of them under one banner were worshipers of Ensatus. Skulltaker was a devout follower of Ferdin, thus his tomb is located beneath it, however, it seems that the ‘Twin Razors’ were actually made as relics of Ensatus. Sadly, Skulltaker had no idea that his gladiatorial winnings were really sending the souls of men and beasts to ‘The Claimer’.

The party eventually found the resting of place of Koth Skulltaker and had to fight his wraith. The remnants of the mighty warrior, undefeated in gladiatorial combat.

Dwarven Sins

This was the first time, in a long while that Tazar Stoneblood had returned to his race’s land. His town was forsaken by them, so it wasn’t too much of a homecoming, but it did remind him of the importance of his journey and the stand he has to make. They geared up, and headed to the abandoned temple to Ferdin. They ventured into it’s depths.

Through traps, necrotic oozes, and hidden passages, they made their way. After a few floors they made their way to the third level of the basement, one not committed to the makers of the world.

A Sticky Situation

The party delved deep into the catacombs where the spiders had come. They slayed many spiders and after a lot of walking in circles found the passage they sought. Within the catacombs, suspended above a huge chasm, rested the staff. The druid used his excellent beast communicating abilities on a few lesser spiders in order to cross on the spider’s silk. Upon their escape the paladin was slain by a spellcasting spider and rest of the party barely made it.

The party returned with the staff, and they were able to convince the druids to keep the staff.

The gunslinger made his way back to the ship with Zifr Liverian (Deceased) in tow. On that journey, Zifr lost his life mysteriously…

They ventured into the Sunwood and slayed a mighty adult Amber Dragon. The party was led shortly after by a Treant who recognized Iliphar Chromolux. The party was led to the druid grove deep within the heart of Sunwood. They met many druids.

The Arch Druid Glandia Springforth told them that the Black Briar Staff that they sought had been stolen by wicked spiders and they have been unable to use their magic within the catacombs.

The First of its Kind

Upon arriving in New Lunastia, the party was invited on a flight by the residing noble, Ambassador Peng Lim Wan. It was the day of his birth and the following evening he would be on the maiden voyage of the first airship ever constructed. The ambassador had invited many nobles that had an unsavory opinion of him as sign of good faith. See the guest list at the bottom.

During the first evening, the Ambassador and Logan Battleborn get in a heated game of craps and Battleborn faults the Ambassador for being a “Knife-eared cheating noble! All elves are filthy cheats!” and wanders off. The High Priest steps in a plays a bit with Ambassador Wan and they have a pleasant evening. The first night draws to a close as the airship approaches a storm ahead. Thunder rumbles around them as it is uncovered that in the dead of night, the Ambassador was killed. The party begins to investigate.

It is uncovered that even though most people had a strong motive, the scent of lavender leads to them believe that either the High Priest or his clergy committed the crime. After ferociously following the leads, they uncover that it was the paladin, Sir Lim Hae Steelcloud. The party quickly eliminated him and tossed the body overboard.

They follow up by assuring that the ambassador’s belongings are inherited by Boulderfist, and they eventually arrive in Sapphire Port a day or so later.

GUESTLIST:

Ambassador Peng Lim Wan [DIEDDURINGTHISADVENTURE]

Ambassador of New Lunastia, Lorenzo is tall, black-haired half-elf with green eyes. He bears little love for the Church of Lycrayne for he suspects corruption in all religions, but he seeks peace for the people of his homeland, whose blood has too long soaked the fields of war. He is on his way to Sapphire Port to strengthen ties with the Republic of Aestra and the council.

High Priest Song Hyo Wolfgaze

Opposing Sapphire Port’s ambassador, High Priest Song Hyo Wolfgaze is a Night Elf who seeks to use his influence in his city’s church to sway the people of New Lunastia to stand by him so he can overthrow Ambassador Peng Lim Wan. High Priest Song Hyo Wolfgaze is on his way to Sapphire Port to start a new Church of Lycrayne. He has recently endured an unsuccessful campaign attempt. He is pious and his hair resembles that of a raven. Secretly: Summons beasts to fight in armies across the land and is in the pocket of the Waylock house.

Logan Batteborn

House Battleborn and representative of Kataiga. He has been sent to the Republic of Aestra in order to see if there are any resources that the spartes could find useful. He is also to confirm whether or not they could become an enemy in the future. He is very untrusting of elves. Logan is a blue-hued black haired Spartes with a temper to match his ruler and a penchant for gambling. When his missives go missing, his anger threatens unrest until they are found.

Sir Lim Hae Steelcloud [DIEDDURINGTHISADVENTURE]

& Squire Lin Pho Twinkle

Bodyguards of High Priest Song Hyo Wolfgaze. Stoic and stalwart zealots of the Church of Lycrayne. Lim Hae’s black locks flow about his sturdy shoulders, and his eyes are a cool gray. Twinkle’s hair is cropped nearly scalp short, and her long face is a stranger to smiles. Her lithe body is indicative of her dedication to harsh training in the arts of war.

*Boulderfist*

A goblin barbarian, Ambassador Peng Lim Wan’s chief bodyguard. He always seems to give attitude when Wan gives him orders and often ignores him if possible. Secretly: He was saved by Ambassador Peng Lim Wan during the Goblin and Sun War. He is just naturally a dick.

Joseph North

Legendary explorer, relic hunter, and braggart, North is an egomaniac with no compunction against lying, cheating, and stealing his way to glory. Knowledge (History/Local) 15 DC, they would know of a book called, “The Paradox of Harpies, which details a theory that all Harpies originated as mermaids, and a book series entitled, Why Do Dragons Sneeze, I’ll Tell You because I was There.” Secretly: He was hoping that Ambassador Wan would die and he would try to jump onto the scene and solve everything, so he will be known as the one to solve the death.

Sea Baron Krot Steeleye

The dashing, arrogant, and ambitious crag dwarf pirate has his eye on Ambassador Peng Lim Wan’s control over the exports of their ports and has been trying to secure his position for years through backdoor organization.

Jackrin, Skrakes, and Meldin

Baron Krot Steeleye’s bodyguards.

Todd Binder

Tibbit commoner, he is known to have afforded this ship ride by selling his homestead in New Lunastia. He says his drives are to move to Sapphire Port and start a new life as a student at the magic school. Secretly: Part of the Blood Cats, killing the Ambassador will prevent him from taking up the mantle when Mira Strongtide dies.

Blood and Magic

The party received a letter from the Sun Elves that in short, assured the Captain that his crew would 200,000 Gold pieces in order to command a naval defense of a Moon Elf city. The Mystic Dwarves were going to attack the city in order to gain a foothold and would then use it’s shores as a staging ground to attack the Sun Elves.

The party eventually showed up, planned the defense which was one explosive decoy ship and waiting until the Dwarves came ashore and the party proceeded to blow up their vessels. The party came from behind as the city defended and they slowly won the battle. The Mystic Dwarves were taken out, but the Moon Elf Lord of Bilush died. The head of the Waylock Crime family, Noxmarus Waylock staged the death of the Mystic Dwarf Archmage and will now become the next lord of Bilush. A few other things happened, but that’s about it.

The party prevented an all out war, and suspect the Sun Elves are now planning a counter attack to show the Mystic Dwarves who’s boss. There are political reasons for the Mystic Dwarves wanting to attack the Sun Elves. Both to hoard arcane knowledge and because of a certain time traveler, [[:ling-xu | Ling Xu [Retired]], the Sun Elves refused the trade agreement. The Dwarves took it personally and had planned to take the knowledge by force. Han Moonwind who was helping out the party joined up with Noxmarus Waylock in order to find a solution to his contractual obligation to Doaloth. A Lupin Gunslinger showed up on the scene of the fight and is know part of the party.

The Letter:

To Whom it May Concern,

The following information is classified and can only be read by you.After an attempt, ventured by a privately hired squad failed to slow the approach of an Oraclusian Kingdom attack directed at the Lunastia Confederacy, we are forced to withdraw our forces from any secondary objectives. Your orders for the council is as follows.
1) Inform Captain Brisbane that he will be afforded a sum of 200,000 gold pieces and the command of a fleet of 5 smaller vessels for the purposes of this mission.
2) The crew of the Invidious will rendezvous with our allied vessels on the Eastern Coast of the Lunastia Confederacy at the port in Bilush within a month.
3) Your job will be to wait until the Oraclusian Kingdom makes their attack on the City of Bilush. They will attempt to occupy that region and utilize the facilities at the Magus College in order to approach us in a shorter time. Zaito Treehand and Archmage Leshara Nightfang will provide a sufficient defense for the city during the initial attack. When the attack has started and the ships of the enemy are docked, a beacon will fire into the sky. It will be imperative to strike with haste once the signal has been lit. You will destroy their vessels and then assist the fighters on the beachhead.
Once the mission is complete and Bilush is secure, have the Invidious make it’s way to Sapphire Port and they will be justly rewarded with the gold mentioned previously and high honors will be bestowed onto you.

Traversing the Lost Temple of Krematon

So, they entered the temple and evaded some traps as they traveresed this temple that was in complete darkness. As you know many races get Darkvision so it wasn’t too hard for them, but a few of the puzzles and traps had them stuck for a bit. Eventually they came across a library within the temple that had some interesting texts which I can explain at a later date. The party fought many armored ghouls and eventually a Skeletal T-rex that wore remnants of bardings. The party solved a bit more puzzles and made there way into a private sanctum. The sanctum was a large circular room that had a large black circular mirror positioned on the ground. It looked like it was made of obsidian, but it provided a much clearer reflection. The party noticed at the far end was a throne in which a being was sitting. He was slender, pale, and blue with all the garb of a powerful noble. He wore a few interested items as well as the belt they were looking for. Turns out this guy IS the Dread Emperor Octavian Vesmarias. This guy is neutral evil, but actually very humble and diplomatic (so long as things end in his favor). He agrees to relinquish the belt if the party places a rug (with a teleportation seal) within the Neo Prophetus guild catacombs.

The party also explains to him that the Mystic Dwarves outside are attempting to siege this place and take everything for their own gain. This dark master makes very short work of them and know that he has plans for the party, allows them to leave. (The mystic dwarves became more ghouls to fight for this evil dude). The party hops on their ship eventually and heads back to Black Anchor.

On the way, one of the books that the rogue took has an effect on him. It is a green tome with a large yellow eldritch seal on it (Emerald Tome of the Devourer). The rogue is cursed and has a vision in which he meets with Daoloth. I used all the information from Call of Cthulu’s new book that I showed you to craft the dream vision and the rogue agreed to sign up to start a new cult when he had the time, the agreement was that if the rogue failed to do so before he died. The body would become an avatar for Daoloth to puppet.

The party gets back to port and meets with the Guild Master High Grim, and they set up the portal. The Guild Master meets Octavian “The Dread Emperor” (Who scares the shit out of him) and they converse in Dark Speech in whispers that shake the entire complex. The Dread Emperor seems to have made a deal with the guild master and gives the belt to him. The party is unaware as to what has transpired, but they now see how wide the rivers of evil go. They and the Guild Master are merely standing in the wake of greater forces at work. We’ll see how they handle it.

The Mine

The Guild Master, Lucious Graveburn, was not aware that there was a Mine near the temple. The Mine was crated by the Crag Dwarves in the mountains that are technically within the territory of the Spartes.

The mine has been kept secret for a long time and provides Mournlode. The party eventually finds this mine and it turns out it was deserted. The excavation at the temple nearby caused earth elementals to rise from deep within the earth and they scared off the crag dwarven miners who fled to their encampment a couple hours away. The party investigated and the druid (Who can speak Primordial) was able to access the situation.

They found the evil elemental, killed it for the protective earth elemental (who couldn’t wage a fight on the other because they are technically both in service of the Plane of Earth). The party assisted and found a secret entrance to the temple that they had to blow through with explosives. The earth elemental wished them goodluck in calming the dark forces within the temple and sealed them inside. (The crag dwarven warden was a dick and basically left a bunch of his minors to die, but that is a smaller tale and can be left out.)

Getting There

The necromancer guild master High Grim Lucious Graveburn sent the party to go fetch something called the “Belt of the Dread Emperor”. Gave them direction to the temple, but didn’t tell them what it did or how it did it. The party arrived on the shores near the mountains, where this belt could be found.

They got to the temple and noticed that the Mystic Dwarves had beaten them too it. There was a big excavation underway and the site was guarded by easily 40 Mage Knights. The party realized that there is no way their getting in through the front door. They trap the way back to the ship and set out for their secondary objective.

On their way to the mine they come a cross a Goblin who is masquerading as a Crag Dwarf. Just a goblin illusionist, nothing special.

Moon Rats

Finally they decided on a plan haha. So, they met a bunch of cool characters today. A Monster Hunter Half-Crag Dwarf/Half-Spartes veteran named Corbin Sinscar, they met a paladin of Paleos named Phillip Carmine and his Squire Joseph Baker. After doing a bunch of city exploration, they met a barkeep who has a Giant Rat infestation problem.

They party went down and started eliminating them. When the last rat was trying to escape, it runs into a band of moon light that slides through the cracks in the roof. The rat stops and speaks to the party. It turns out he is a Moon Rat. They are giant rats that become hyper Intelligent in moonlight.

The party saves a bunch of the rats from bleeding out and they investigate why they went feral. They got stuck in this basement when they burrowed and fled from their home (The cave collapsed behind them when they got there). Their home was near the center of the island. The Moon Rats were attacked by an Adult Onyx dragon and were kicked out.

Necromancers are pissed!

The short and sweet version is that after returning from the Sahuagin floatilla, they arrived back to town, sold their swag and were trying to solve any necromantic questions. They found out that the lord of the keep, Lord Blackstone, is gone and there are no guards posted anymore. They uncovered the necromancy guild (Neo-Prophetus) has a dungeon beneath the town, that the tower’s lake is full of corpses, and that the animals in the area are very distressed.

The party partied with the crew of the Invidious and went to bed.

The next day they wake up to the Spartes and Phoenix Elf vessels coming in to claim the isles back (based on the history of Nassau). They show up and offer pardons to all the captains. Two take them (Sid Seville & Yuki Scorchleaf, Jonathon Brisbane and the mage captain of the Arcing Corsairs, Sakura Manaflare say no.

The Spartes naval commander Doran Morphis, takes 10 knights and the party up to the keep to investigate. (Why isn’t the lord of the town showing up to argue against this?). They find out the necromancers have taken over the keep and after destroying some skeletons, the raging barbarian, Tazar Stoneblood, busts through a door (not planned for) and interrupted a summoning of a Bone Golem (Stone Golem weak to bludgeoning) and they killed it along with 4 cultists. They just leveled up to level 5 and will have to board up the castle and hold the line as the necromancy guild claims the rest of the city.

A First Quest and a Giant Serpent

The party were given orders to go and intercept a prize vessel to the North Western coast of the Mountains of Paleos. It was transporting guns from the Vicewing Kingdom to Whitesand Bay.

The party started right away and made great time with the assistance of seasonal weather. They came across an island in the distance. They went to the island and investigated. It turned out to be a lost Human colony called New Town, whose inhabitants seem to have vanished around 20 years ago (After the extermination by the Spartes), however there was no evidence of their disappearance. They went to a temple on a hill which housed a Wisp that told them that deep within the temple lurks a beast that ate all the inhabitants.

The party with the assistance of Capt. Jonathon Brisbane was able to slay the Spirit Naga. They know it will come back in less than a week, but they have no way of solving that problem now so they departed to go fetch the guns. They intercepted the vessel, successfully slowed the Vicewing Cutter vessel and ransacked it replace faulty guns on the Invidious and away they went.

On their way home they come across a floatilla of seaweed with a chest on it. Turns out to be a sahuagin trap that the party handles swiftly and scares most of them off. The chest was empty.

A Prologue of Sorts

The rickety wagon continues making it’s way from Whitesand Bay. It has been a while since you left the Bay and each of you are looking forward to arriving in Port Trasif by night fall. From the rumors, that’s the best time to arrive anyway. The wagon is one of four that are traveling together. Two of the wagons are for travelers, 6 each. The other two are transporting goods. Each one is manned by a Spartes stage coach and is manned non-stop until the destination is reached. Spartes resilience should be noted. Around noon, the carriage patron pulls out the last of the rations and begins to distribute them. The food is once again dried meats, an orange each, and water from a large reserve. It’s rather passable, when all of a sudden the cart slows to a stop. The other two carts who were carrying supplies seem to speed by as the drivers call-out to each other in the languages of drakes.

Peaking out the window of the carriage, you see that the Spartes driver, an older man, has fallen from the cart and seems to have shattered. As if his likeness had been turned to marble and he had fallen from his pedestal.

The party realizes that they have been ambushed by Basilisks. They create remedies from the stash of ingredients that the chariot had in-stock for this exact reason. Turns out they knew about the occupation of Basilisks in the area, but if they mentioned it, it would be bad for business.

The party slays the basilisks, saves their driver and even their paladin Yorvarax Ragnar who got turned to stone almost immediately.

The weather is warm, the breezes balmy! The water, calm, and crystal clear.
You have arrived to Port Trasif. It is the port in the southern reaches of the Lands of Kataiga, the Spartes homeland. Port Trasif is a major market for fencing plunder from the Crimson Isles, to the south, and this often leads to exciting events and equivocal debauchery.
It should be noted that those who go to Port Trasif are interested in trade, the sins of the tavern, adultery, information, or sea fairing. The Crimson Isles are becoming infamous for their activity through the exploits of Jack Venom and his ship The Far Sea.

As you enter the port for the first time or the hundredth time, the culture is always evolving from the import of information, artifacts, stories, and swag.

There is word that in the Rusted Saber Inn, there is a rising captain named Jonathon Brisbane and his ship, the Invidious who is looking to acquire a new crew for some mysterious journey.

Part of the Party signs in a drunken stupor and the others joined for the thrills.

The Final Destination

After the defeat of the Shadow Temple, the party delved deep into the Shadow Dark. They had finally arrived to the secret cavern of the powerful God Slayer. Trudging through the darkness they finally found Von Black attempting to complete his master plan. The merge the Shadowfell and Material plane into a world of everlasting darkness. Where madness runs rampant, the Moon Elves are proclaimed the master race, and the Sun Elves kneel before the true High Elves of Merovia.

The party foiled this Storm Sorcerer’s Plans and slew him rather swiftly. Defeating him at last they used the anchor to return to the material plane. The Underdark passageway that it took them to allowed them to the return to the material plane and meet up at the High Magus School in Lunastia. Run by Leshara Nightfang.

The party had made a deal with their newest member, Maximillion De Sand and agreed to go on their final adventure together. To The Abyss to find E’mara and claim a mythical orb fragment and the soul of Arawn’s friend from before the adventure began (nearly 2 years ago in-game).

They ventured into The Abyss, and were escorted into E’mara’s dominion. With the surprise arrival and assistance of Zephestes, the party battled in the Shadow Mistress’s domain. Sol, the Cosmic Spell-Slinger used the book of vile darkness that Von Black had inscribed onto his body to Dominate E’mara’s mind and had her rip her own heart out. The party accomplished its missions and were sent back to the cavern where it all began. All the deeds had been done, all the quests compeleted and with that, many of them went on their way. To maybe find some peace, or what I suspect, new adventures that wait just around the corner.

THEEND

Burning the Shadows

The party was discovered and through some poor choice words a fight broke out between the students of the shadow temple and our adventurers.

Maximillion De Sand started things off with a bang, or rather, 3 well placed fireballs.

The party then backed up in the hallway and funneled the 64 enemies into the corridor.

Sol created a storm sphere and, joined with the casting of power of Arawn, casted Cloudkill in collaboration with Arawn’s Circle of Death. It made short works of the 35 ninjas, 10 assassins, and 14 Iron Heart Disciples. Lady Del Duska, of course, was in the mix, but she survived the attack on her temple and in the end allowed the adventurers to pass into the hidden doorway that leads into the Shadow Dark. However, Arawn didn’t go into the doorway like his friends. He stood defiantly at the doorway and challenged Lady Del Duska to Mortal Combat!

As the Roc flies...

The party began their adventurer in the black sands where we left them last time. As they finished up their conversation within a Mordekainen’s Magnificent Mansion, the sand beneath where the building had stood gave way to a literal underground railway. This railway, they soon found out, was run by Shade Goblins, similar to their Material Plane counterpart except gray in color and anorexic in appearance. The party asked for their assistance and in a short time they arrived by underground trolley to the Capital City of Zeed, home to another Lord of Madness, Lord Salleek. A short distance away was the House of Crows where Strix calls his own.
After some shopping in the local trading district the party paid for flight by Roc’s and made their way, North East, to the Capital of Umbralar in a short 4.5 days of constant flight. Umbralar was eerily quiet when the arrived and after a failed assassination attempt on the party’s Warlock, Arawn, the party fled and through a supernatural flaw found themselves in broom closet in the heart of the combat training school for the Lord of Madness, Lady Del-Duska. This school teaches the Way of the Shadow, The Diamond Mind Martial School, and Assassination techniques to aspiring assassins. They found out that the school is 80% female and one of them was the party’s monk’s sister.
Venturing deeper into the school they viewed their practices and during an assembly Lady Del Duska seems to have caught our Monk viewing a speech she shouldn’t. What will become of our adventurers? Find out next Monday! :D

... And hundreds.

The party arrived at the base of the spiral staircase and fought against two zombie tyrannosaurus rex who, when given no other option, attacked and tore asunder the Noble Phoenix Elf Bard, Tenebris Ignis. They split him in two in a single turn and swallowed him. The party defeated the beasts and after a moment of silence, proceeded to go through the dungeon. After answering riddles, a chest puzzle that Rena nearly wrecked for them, avoiding a trapped path of lightning, and more riddles, they finally passed the dungeon and met a man deep within this dungeon. His name only one can recall and he isn’t telling, this mysterious stranger gave them the phylactory and served them pancakes and syrup as well as traded with them and oftered them insight. The party resurfaced after this and after returning the sceptor came to find that their caravan and only ride through the desert had been the target of mass murder… by the god slayer, their main focus. The God Slayer beckoned them, spoke at them in Dark Speech, and told them how to find him, he wants them to so that he may end their quest at the end… “Your quest is one of futility” and away he went in a cloud of black smoke. A sandstorm kicked up around our exhausted heroes and a mysterious Mystic Dwarf by the name of Maximillion De Sand arrived and aided these heroes with a Maginficent Mansion he conjured from a scroll. Who is this new adventurer? Will the heroes be able to defeat the God Slayer? Will they get to him in time before the Anchor makes his plans a reality? The heroes better hurry, the sands of time are running out….

... and the first steps in the Bone Hills

The party paid for tickets for passage across the Black Sands. 100 gold pieces each to ride upon the illustrious Black Bullete Caravan, it is a series of carts connected to each other and the whole unit is pulled across the Black Sands by 4 Bullettes. About half way through their 4 week journey through the Black Sands they stopped the caravan in order to feed the mighty beasts. As the caravan took a break, our heroes decided to go investigate a big hill on the horizon a mere quarter mile away. The party ventured over, knowing they had a good amount of time before the caravan left, and immediately began combat as they stepped on the hallowed ground. After defeating 30 skeletons and a Lich Crystal Dragon, they went into the black Temple that was within this small necropolis. After entering, the party met an undead Lupin who gave no name, but informed them that the lich dragon’s philactory resided deep underneath them and only those who hold the sceptor (next to him) would be able to venture deep within the Bone Hills. Tenebris grasped on to the sceptor and led the way down a spiral staircase and into a dark path… there they heard the sounds of something in the deep…

Or so they thought...

The partry reconviened today in hopes of exploring this new town within the Plane of Shadow. However, as always, it did not turn out as they had planned. It turns out they actually never got on the carriage to Succuden and in fact they were under mind effecting magic that hid from them that they were actually in a vampire butchery on giant hooks. The party broke away from the spell’s control and proceeded to whoop some vampire butt. After defeating the butcher and his associates, Arawn proceeded to use one of the hooks and cleave away at approaching vampires. Shortly after that incursion, the party made their way to the outskirts of town and hired a carriage. Finally, arriving in Succuden by that evening.

A City Left in Flames

The party reconvened within the underdark on the outskirts of a large Mind Flayer enclave. They stealthed in with little difficulty by using the Pass Without a Trace compliments of their Ranger. The Rogue and Warlock teammed up and incinerated the Brain in the center of the enclave, destroying the communication between them and then setting the onlooker aflame with a Fireball. The Spellslinger swiftly destroyed their praised statue and the party slipped away into the depths. After a few miles of traversing the subterranean passage they came across Tragdelve. Tragdelve is a Crag Dwarven trading community (seperate from the other one on the far side of the planet), and with the help of a Crag Dwarven Rune Priest, they were teleported somewhere randomly in the Shadowfell. This put them in the center of Sangrala, the central vampiric city of the dominion ruled by the Lord of Madness known as Lord Zendion. With some humble talking they convinced the mighty lord to allow them passage this one time, but should they ever return, Lord Zendion said their lives would be, “open season”. The party hopped onto a carriage and away they went towards Succuden.

Never Doubt the Worm

Rena, the Tibbit, had been to the Cavern of Storms a few months back, but that was during the time of the secondary campaign.

So Rena and friends delved into the Cavern of Storms to find that the obelisks had shattered, that the ceiling had caved in in certain areas, and new residents had taken up the space, replacing the Lizardfolk society that had lived here a few months ago. The new residents were Mind Flayers and a Gargantuan Purple Worm.

The party met a Fellian Cleric of Velox who, do to the Crusader’s loudness, was attacked by the burrowing Purple Worm and had a leg taken by it. The Crusader heals the gentlemen, the party informed the Cleric that his diety had died and that was probably why there was no wind near this holy place and why the birds had fallen out of the sky like balloons of blood. The Cleric is convinced to follow Ensatus and shortly after this, the Cleric they had met is eaten by the Purple Worm who came back for seconds.

The party, surprised by this great burrowing monstrosity, explored and slayed their fair amount of Mind Flayer and Quagoths. Chun-tee and Rena had an argument about Rena’s compulsive thieving and eventually they made their way deep into the cavern where they entered the final chamber of the cavern. Arawn cast levitate and threw a Quagoth at the Purple Worm, the Purple Worm at it in a single bite and the fight began. The party eventually slayed the Purple Worm, but not before Arawn was swallowed for the 2nd time and the Crusader hacked at the Purple Worm and got it to regurgitate the late Cleric’s bones and Arawn all over him. T’sulo is swiftly eaten after and this marked the end of the great Crusader’s career in the name of the God of War.

The party tied off a rope on the edge of a crag and made their journey into the Underdark, to continue their hunt for the Godslayer.

You mean Lunar Whales?

After retrieving the coordinates, the party was on their way…

After a few days they came across a solo Astral Leviathan who was on his way to the mating grounds not too far from their. The party speaks with the Leviathan and informs him that they need one of his eyes, the Leviathan is understanding and says that he they escort him their he would allow them to have one of his 16 eyes.

They were soon attacked by creatures that have been hunting for quite a while, Astral Sharks. The sharks were furocious and tore at the Necromanta, but the party defeated the Astral Sharks rather quickly.

Note: This was the first time Arawn was eaten and regurgiated onto T’sulo, the Crusader.

The party defeated the sharks and completed their escort mission, but not after convincing the Astral Leviathans that their species’ name was something that people feared and if they meant well they should call themselves the Lunar Whales, the Leviathans agreed and after the party recieved the eye they had been after, the party returned to the Material Plane.

Soon after returning they contacted Abélard LeBlanc, who created they gate that he promised and allowed the party to teleport to a small island in the far south. The island that held the Cavern of Storms… The temple of the late ex-god Velox

The Most Dangerous Game

The party was hired to hunt a Scorponid within the Great Scorponid Gulch. They found themselves in large area with the goal of hunting down a masterful hunting creature with the body of a scorpion and the claws of a tiger. As the party was crossing the Gulch, they came across a bridge. As the party crossed the bridge the Scorpion ran the Tibbit Rogue Rena through the stomach and left her for dead. After a quick burst of attacks, the Scorponid fled to strike again. The party searched, but it wasn’t till the 2nd ambush before they could get their sights on the Scorponid. The Scorponid attempted to slay Chun-tee the Monk, but only partial pierced her side. The party then jumped on the opportunity and slayed the monstrosity.
After milking the creature’s venom, they returned to Charles Thomson who then swiftly formed them a map of the astral leviathan’s breeding paths. The monk also learned about Swordsage and the party hopped on the Necromanta and away they went. :D

Slaying Zelt'krax

The party left the safety of Astral Pool in order to venture deeper into the cavern. They first encountered a fascinating room that was tiled in stone, but the walls and ceilings were filled with inverted pyramids. As they stepped into the room, the room would activate and would blast the area full of amplified soundwaves that hindered the party for a short bit before the party Paladin and Ranger decided to just endure the sound waves and the warlock transported the rogue and monk through with his dimension door. Once they passed through the following doors they made their way up the steps and proceeded to fight 6 Red Slaads and make their way into a quiet cavernous room. They ignored the other doors and made their way into Zelt’krax’s laboratory and after some evasive maneuvers the wizard’s blood painted the floors and the party collected what they needed and returned to Morgthuun. There, they were informed that they would have to go the Scorponid Gulch and collect the venom from the beast’s tail and return it to Charles Thomson, he can then synthesize some astral ink and create their map for them.

It should also be mentioned that the Crusader assisted in the rescue of an Astral Drake being held captive by Zelt’krax and that the Bard returned to his people through Jasper, the Skeleton Bard.

A Busy Start

The party begins by being dropped off by Craven Martier and is given an object that will allow them to call The Necromanta back to them to be picked up. This is where the party joined up with a Tygirus Hunter. The party then delved deep into the cavernous dungeon and slayed a great deal of Red Slaads, a Death Slaad, a Beholder, and eventually found their way to a small inside waterfall. The waterfall area was a great place to set up camp and to use the Astral Essence from the water to heal themselves.

A Human, here?!

As the ship begins to rise into the air, the part views a silver crack across the sky. The crack splits open as a pulse of cold air hits them all, the split reveals something that could be mistaken as silver fabric with a near mirror sheen.

The ship approaches the crag in the sky and a blast of cold air hits them in waves, the pulses hasten as they got closer, but the cold only seemed to penetrate their consciousness, their view was clouded and began to fog over.

As the ship reached the portal, Captain Mortier looked down at the party from the helm and smiled a wicked fang laced smile. “Man is only to realize the door exist, to reach all of his opportunities.”
The ship touched the silver fade and they are all pulled within in a flash of silver and purple light.

As the light fades and their eyes become accustomed to the Astral Sea it was clear that this was what the imagination must look like, behind them, the silver gap closed swiftly and in the wide areas of empty space. The black fabric of empty space was etched with long paths of silver and purple that seem to have no origin, this expanse was populated by large portion of jagged rock and debris. Purple and white lights decorated the cosmos and helped them view the endless expanse.

They ventured to a Gith Port located in the Astral Sea, called Morgthuun. They were cautious while they were there. The Astral Sea and its inhabitants can be as brutal as the weather, which fortunately they hadn’t truly encountered yet.

As they approached this large floating city, it was clear that not all the city was together physically, Gith often create their cities on the backs of dead astral beings, some say they are the old gods, long lost to the material plane’s needs of the millennia. While they were searching Morgthuun, they came across a bar, its title they could not pronounce. Inside they met Charles Thomson. He instructed the party as to how to go about their plans. The quest was rather simply laid out.

1. Give the coordinates to Captain Craven Martier
2. Go to the “Cavern of Zelt’krax. Venture deep within it and find Zelt’krax.
3. Find the scrolls that detail the Astral Leviathan movement patterns.
4. Defeat Zelt’krax and bring his Staff to ”/characters/charles-thomson" class=“wiki-content-link”>*Charles*.
5. Charles will then pay you 6,000 GP for the Staff and fill you in as to how to go about hunting the Astral Leviathans.

An Anchor and A Godslayer

The party resumed today by finishing their conversation with Fernand Manoury. Fernand told them that their best option was to go to Almeox in search of the Advisor of Almeox, Abélard LeBlanc. It took them a while to get going for many wished to bum around Brel. When they did eventually depart, half way through their short travel time, they happened across a Tygirus highwayman and a few misled Mystic Dwarf associates. The party made quick work by convincing half of the dwarves to go home to their parents and that the Tygirus best stay out of their way. Resuming their trek they arrived at Almeox with nearly no delay. They explored the city a bit and happened across a Colosseum in which mage collectives/guilds can duel. 1 v 1 or 5 v 5. The Colosseum was exciting for the party, they made some extra gold by placing a good bet and learned about the community and the officials. After the fight they eventually met up at a certain café in one of the more renowned noble districts NW of the Colosseum. They informed LeBlanc of their current quest to stop “the Godslayer” and their recent travels. LeBlanc took them to his messy pocket dimensional office in which he told them that they should seek a company of Astral Sea Privateers to take them to the Astral Sea to collect an eye of an Astral Leviathan. With that eye, LeBlanc can assist in creating a device that will allow the party to hunt down “the Godslayer” in the plane of shadow without losing their minds. In the meeting it was uncovered that “the Godslayer”‘s plan was to use the Necrite Anchor of Belziok [An artifact created by Strix and gifted to one of his most devout followers], that it has the ability to pull realms together and that “the Godslayer”’s plan was to use it to combine the Plane of Shadow with the Material Plane and rule over it.
The party was excited to do so and to know what their next clue was. They left right away for a sketchy tavern called, “Swampfang” , they met with Craven Martier and made a deal with his Company “The Necromanta”, and in one week the party will make their way to the Astral Sea… The Realm of Imagination…

Sometimes reading can be dangerous

After arriving at the Northern Mystic Dwarven City, the party needed was referred to a special library in hopes to uncover more information regarding the “God Slayer” his weapon and where he was within the Plane of Shadow. Entering the library/store they find out that the man they are seeking is in the back, Fernand Manoury, and was in some sort of trance. His soul had been captured by the book and the party had to go in after him. While the Evil Cleric of Destiny went around and tried to steal from the Dwarves of ???, the rest of the party ventured into the book in hopes to reclaim the man’s soul. After journeying through a castle of mind related traps and demonic influences they came in contact with a powerful devil, a Vilsteth, and after some banter and getting lost, the party realized the way to escape the book is to write their way out. Breaking out of the book they succeeded in their rescue and procured some information regarding a few of their minor quests.

Tres and his cabin

Arriving back in Sapphire port they were beckoned by Laura ‘Violet’ , who made a deal with them. They would venture north and over the top of the world in order to explore the other side of Merovia. The noble only agreed if he could be informed and a mutually beneficial information exchange could be constructed. As they pressed north they deviated for a bit in order to hunt down and finally slay Typhore Lavareon. Nearly killing the noble, but they all got through it.

After sending their new associate, Jasper the Skeleton Bard (NPC trapped in-between two whistles) back to turn in the bounty, they pressed north once again and came a cross a small cabin just over the North Pole. This was home to Tres. He invited them to stay and found it would be easy for them to hitch a ride with him south when he goes for supplies. He also informs them, WInter Wovles have been tailing them for days. As they journeyed out that morning the wolves became apparent and after some high speed cart/wolf racing them left them in a smoke cloud and scared off the leader.

Reaching the southern part of that section, they got on a small boat and are on their way to a bustling Dust Orc Village.

Defeating the Lycan Army and that Bitch Quilla

Returning from the abyss the party ventured south, back to Sapphire Port. Arriving within a day they went to Mira Strongtide, who they then informed that Sevarion was dead and that there was a Lycan army in Solta planning on attacking Sapphire Port. The party then prepared their gear and traveled to Solta and awaited the armies that they enlisted.

The warlock infultrated the city and faced off with his Older Brother Varis Waylock. He defeated him, but chose to knock him onconcious, head back to Sapphire Port and send him back to his parents in Bilush.

He returned to the party as the Spartes military arrived to assist the Phoenix Elf and around noon the Phoenixian/Sun Elven (Sapphire Port) armies arrived and together with the help of a Crystal Dragon broke through a giant vine wall that Quilla had errected and the war began. Massive casualities and in the end the Phoenix Elven Noble led his men to victory.

The Cleric of Lycrayne, Warlock, and Monk had swiftly made it to Quilla Sundrop’s building as the fight began and fought against her. After resisting many of her enchantments and illusions they slayed her and the city buildings crashed down and the city was now a wasteland of filth and debri.

The party must now find the items that Mira Strongtide asked for and return.

Slaying Sevarion

The party regrouped in Aestra and a Cleric of Lycrayne joined their ranks. They then met up with the Warlock’s father who decided to was call to their aid. Noxmarus Waylock. Shortly after that they used a Crystal Dragon’s mirror to enter the abyss. They entered Revlen’s domain by that of a long black metallic and ice encrusted bridge. They entered the Glaciellum, Revlen’s Ice Golem Forge. Journeying through they hopped over gears and convinced Revlen to let them pass on. A cryptic golem gave them many optional paths and they took the fastest path. It led them to the doors of Sevarion, but to gain entrance they had to first slay a horde of Ice Mephits. With little trouble they defeated them, grabbed the keys from their chests and entered the Tsunami’s room. Approaching Sevarion they let no time waste as they yelled at Sevarion that they would kill it. The monk proceeded to Silence Sevarion, the Paladin stunned it, and the new cleric stunned it, making it a classic tank and spank.

The Temple and the Rod

Delving into the puzzling hidden temple, our adventures split up from the start. Arwan Waylock passes through a gate and finds himself in the presence of the Kraken, this allows him to sneak by the gauntlet as the rest of the party goes through the rough trials. Through these trails only the Tibbit Thief loses his life to a Great White Shark. The party reconvenes in a great hall that portrays a mural on one side, and on the opposite side of the room stands a monolithic door. Within this great hall though stands a regiment of Blood Isle Legionnaire’s. The Kraken’s hidden “area” is behind the mural. Arwan Waylock convinces the Blood Isle troops to go behind the mural where they are all immediately ripped apart by the Kraken for being heretical in Peliphene’s temple. The party slays the captain swiftly and make there way into the great chamber containing large ice columns and the Staff of Peliphene suspended in divine light.
They have a brief conversation with Peliphene and in a flash of light find themselves on the shore of Sapphire Port, soaked, sandy, and successful. They speak with Mira Strongtide, and off they go again to hunt down Sevarion, “The Tsunami”.

Blood in the Streets & the Beast Below

Reaching Sapphire port, the party convinced the guards to allow them entrance even though the guard warned them of the battle within. Entering the city, it is apparent that much of the city must either be held up in their houses or hiding. Entering the town center, the Tenebris Ignis was grasp from behind be a shade of sorts and heard, "I saved your lives and for that you are welcome, go to the fountain three blocks north and enter if you wish to end this conflict, there you will find the true conflict. Slay your foes or unite the brethren of the dark. The choice is yours, but heed my words, the blood of your friends will fall before this is all over.”

The fountain in the center of town grants them entrance after solving a mechanical puzzle. The fountain which depicted Peliphene lying on a bed of water opened up and revealed a staircase that led them to an underground area. Poorly lit, dank, and filled with pillars, this space was the battlefield for the Thieves and Assassin’s. Stepping in the middle, the party assisted the thieves and split up to gather information about both factions.

In the middle of the conversation there is a sudden explosion within the columned room behind them. As both faction ran into the darkness, the source was soon very apparent. Half the rooms’ columns had been struck down, and there at the end a being stands seemingly alone. The dust cleared and in the cavern where the silhouette of the being stood, stood a man his face obscured. An echo bounces through the room and with it, the man’s voice travels. “The distress you have caused this city is impermissible and for that, I have been released from my slumber. I must thank you, I never thought Pelsiphene would release me, but she is indeed furious… you two warring factions has caused such fear and distress that she has forsaken you… She hoped that I would slaughter you all, BUT… not yet, I am the being that was once feared by all races, and now I will rise again. Await the coming storm for I am Sevarion, “The Tsunami”” In a flash of blue flame, he disappears.

At this point the thieves and assassins made a temporary cease fire agreement, and that the party was called here by Mira, so it must be there job to slay the creature. The party bears the burden well and makes there way to speak with Mira who then also sends them off to face the beast. After going to the library, They convince two ships to escort them into the Maelstrom of Passion, the suspected resting place of the Divine Staff of Peliphene which has the power to slay the great Sevarion.

The treant, and the family affair.

Shortly after docking, they make their way through the Sunwood, towards Aestra. As they set up camp they uncover a Treant who says he will assist them in their travels since they were able to slay the Monstrous Centipedes that had paralyzed it. After coming in contact with an Amber Dragon and hearing the tales that the Treant had to share, meeting an Amber Dragon, and hunting, they made their way to an ancient shrine to Forlas where they communed with the wilderness and they were then transported right outside of Aestra through a door within a tree.
It seems the Treant was also a druid.
Arriving in the city they set up their lodging, bought of few things and was alerted to a play that was going to be put on in the Aestra Theatre. Arwan Waylock stayed in order to view the play and gather information, while the rest of the party journeyed back to Sapphire Port to check in on Mira Strongtide.

The play, entitled “Sunda en’ Dhaera”, revealed an assassination attempt on Leena Solastia. Arwan Waylock impersonated a sun elf and got Quilla Sundrop to reveal that she was in fact working with the Waylock family and that the warlock’s lycan brother Varis Waylock is working with her! Making his way to the basement, the warlock tied up the daughter, impersonated her on stage (poorly), and thwarted the assassination. This revealed the warlock as the lost “dead” Waylock son, causing the Lycan Brother to hunt the warlock. Arwan Waylock made his way out swiftly with the daughter and commandeered a horse and made their way to Sapphire Port a few hours behind the rest of the party.

Cleanse the Dwarven King

Finding themselves in an abandon port, they journeyed into the city to find that the city was falling apart and that the King had indeed forsaken his people.
Falling into the mote of feces and then scaling the wall, Arwan Waylock infiltrated the castle, while the rest of the party managed to convince the guards to allow them to enter.
The king hasn’t held an audience with even his guards in a decade.
When they enter the throne room, Necrol Lazeren has been seduced by Lady Sicilya who they reveal to be a Succubus. Half the party convinces the king to enter his study to hold a meeting with him, and the rest of the party slaughtered Lady Sylvia. The King’s mind is free from her clutches and goes to his people. He dawns his great topaz plate armor and speaks to his people and inspires them to follow him once more.
The Dwarven King makes a trade agreement with Tenebris Ignis, kick-starting the Economy of the Crag Dwarves once again. The Dwarven King then asks the party to deal with an Amethyst Dragon who happily takes leave once it is informed that the King is right again, and the party leaves for a Crystal Dragon in the mountains near Aestra. Little do they know that Aestra too is in peril. It should also be mentioned that the party thief started a thieves guild chapter in Blackhelm.

Riding Bears and Blowing Up Ships

The next morning they left swiftly accompanied by a female Ice Naga escort, and 4 Ice Naga soldiers who were guarding a transporting the Glasssteel chest.

On their way the party encountered a pack of 3 Polar Bears. The most impressive moment of the fight is when the Lupin Blood Sorcerer jumped on one of the Polar Bear’s back and used two silver daggers and ripped it’s head off.

!LEVEL 2!

After the encounter they moved on and arrived at the ship. They boarded and came to find that the ship was crewed and led by Dorians. A few Ice Naga were aboard too to ensure the safety of the chest. A few days pass on the ship uneventfully when all of a sudden they are attacked by a Junk Warship. It was part of the pirate fleet known as the Sanguine Heiress.

The fight began, using fire they lit the enemy ship ablaze and slaughtered everyone on it. Some remarkable actions were when the T’sulo Ragnar took a dead Dorian crew member, filled it with gunpowder and threw it at the burning enemy ship causing major damage, as well as the Tenebris Ignis using a concussive spell to crush the ship’s walls and weakening structure. As the enemy ship sank, in the after math, All 10 enemy pirates, 5 Dorians and the Dorian Captain died.

There was morning for the Captain by the Dorians, but the part didn’t seem to care… The Lupin Blood Sorcerer is racist against Dorians.

The days pasted and at the end of their week and a half sailing, they were just arriving to Sapphire Port when the Ice Naga guards below deck made a commotion. It seems that the Ice Nagas killed one of their men because that Naga had failed to notice that the chest had been stolen right out from under their nose.

As the mystery ran rampant, in the end, since it was the Tenebris Ignis’s task, he called it all off and the trail ran cold.

The part took to the streets and the taverns of Sapphire Port and ended within a Bar called the “Pearl Smile” where Arwan Waylock (Disguised as a Sun Elf named Ost Rolan) made contact with Thomas Danton.

It began...

The campaign began today…

The party found themselves in a dark and dank room. Locked in bone cages they each found a way to escape them, whether it was T’sulo Ragnar broke through like it was made of paper, the Arwan Waylock picking the lock, or the Lupin Monk snapped of the lock… etc.

The party proceeded to investigate the room and came across a few objects of an Unknown Metal and an age old cage of unknown origin. It’s construction was unlike anything the known races have made up to this point. It’s design was similar to the Dwarves in that it was solid, but the motifs were untraceable.

Moments later they left the room and came across a few bandits around a campfire discussing the raid that they had captured the party on and how they were the last of the bandits left. Something towards the back of this cave had killed all of their allies.

Tenebris Ignis noticed that one of the bandits had a hold of his guitar so the party popped around the corner and slaughtered them all with little resistance. The party split up a bit and investigated, eventually they found a hidden path in the back of the cave by destroying a boulder.

The hidden path led to an unknown variant of a shrine to Forlas. Curious about it, they continued deeper and found a room full of unmarked graves that contained skeletons of beings that had a similar bone structure to the Spartes, but curiously their skulls were wider and had large lower tusks.

Finding another hidden passage they found themselves in a room. On a pedestal sat a chest made of Glasssteel. The chest held a large chunk of raw diamond. The room was full of bandits corpses and it looked as though they all had been boiled alive. It was suspected that the chest was a trap of sorts. After some antics, the bard bound it shut with rope and took it with him. T’sulo Ragnar is very superstitious and wanted no part of the chest, but they took with them anyway and made their way to Frostwail Prisinium.

After talking with Warden Sezix, the party convinced him to ship the Glasssteel chest to Pheonixia and to also grant them passage on their ship. Until they would leave the next morning, the party explored the prisinium, asked questions and met Content Not Found: huvel-icegrip-iix.